Grand resident weighs in on coyotes in Surprise

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Coyotes are common throughout Arizona, even in urban environments. For more information on what attracts them to an area, what to do if you encounter them and how to protect yourself and your pets, visit Arizona Game & Fish’s website at azgfd.com/wildlife-conservation/living-with-wildlife/living-with-coyotes. If you’re attacked by a coyote, call 911 immediately, seek medical attention and report the incident to Game & Fish.

OPINION — Regarding Jason’s Stone’s article, Surprise woman wants Grand solution to coyote problem: I seldom see coyotes in the Grand while out walking and they have never approached me; but if I am walking my dog it goes crazy.

It’s best to turn and walk the other way with the dog. You can carry a coyote whistle to scare them away or throw rocks towards them if necessary. 

I agree that a person being aggressive toward a coyote could make it turn on them. Perhaps the coyote’s stomach is empty. Their main food source seems to be the rabbits which are abundant here.

Sadly, I have seen dead coyotes along Grand Avenue as the animals had attempted to cross. It is shocking to see the tiny and obviously sick coyotes of the last couple of years.

Without the coyote, the rabbit population could become a problem!

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